Michael Keith Bennett, M.D., age 52, of Greenfield, MO, passed away March 6, 2021 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis due to complications from COVID-19.
Although COVID-19 posed the greatest concern for Dr. Bennett, he assured to provide his community and patients with the most accurate information to protect themselves, their loved ones and his community. Even while practicing the safest measures, Dr. Bennett fully understood the risk repeated exposure to sick or dying COVID patients would pose to his own health and wellbeing. Even more so, he understood the heightened risks posed by those who chose not to protect others by wearing a mask or who threatened harm toward him and his family. Even still, he persevered in assuring their access to the latest medical expertise to heal and alleviate suffering. Our greatest pride is he remained fiercely independent and passionate about his core value as a physician, to heal the sick and dying. Although COVID-19 took his breath, it did not take his voice or spirit, these live within those who knew him. His last words were, “I love you” and we extend these words to you as a reminder to love and care for one another.
Dr. Bennett was born in New Franklin, MO on February 15, 1969. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Missouri School of Medicine graduating in 1996. He served others as a physician and was the director and owner of the Greenfield Medical Center from 2005 until his death. Dr. Bennett loved his family and enjoyed farming, biking, cars, the outdoors and hunting.
Cherishing his memory and his service to others include his children, Austin Bennett of Greenfield, MO and Shelby Bennett of Nashville, TN; his mother, Meredith Bennett of Greenfield; his father, Bob Bennett of Little Rock, AR; his siblings, Damon and Veronica Bennett of Oakland, CA and Versailles, MO; two aunts, Linda and Pearly Arnold both of Greenfield; and his girlfriend, Haley Hendrixson of Greenfield.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Pearl and Wilbur Arnold and Vera Bennett; an aunt, Velma Lowe and two uncles, Wilbur and Danny Arnold.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Dade County Missouri Public Health Department, 413 W. Water St., Greenfield, MO 65661 and to United Way of Central Missouri COVID-19 Response Fund, https://www.unitedwaycemo.org/COVID-19-response-fund, 205 Alameda Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Also, to honor Dr. Bennett and all who have lost their lives due to COVID-19 please get your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are able to protect your life and those you love.
Condolences and tributes may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Markland-Yager Funeral Home, New Franklin, MO.